There's lots to choose from tonight around the league, with 13 teams fighting for playoff positioning. As such, I'll have an extra big preview for you all tonight. Let's have a look at some of the key match-ups on the unofficial last night of action in the NHL.
New Jesery Devils @ New York Rangers (3:00pm ET): The Rangers have already secured a playoff position and with a win tonight could jump past the Senators and the Islanders into the 6th seed. The offense has been rolling lately for New York and center Brad Richards has led the way with 5 points in his last 9 games. The Devils, despite being eliminated, have put up two huge victories in their last two games against Montreal and Pittsburgh. Their last loss however, was a 4-1 defeat to these same Rangers on Sunday.
Prediction: 3-2 Rangers
Montreal Canadiens @ Toronto Maple Leafs (7:00pm ET): For Montreal to have any hope of capturing the division title and the 2nd seed in the East, they must get at least a point tonight against Toronto. However, if the Leafs can win in regulation, they will secure the 5th seed while assuring the Habs stay in 4th and will set up a classic first round series between the two. So far Toronto is leading the season series 2-1 and has outscored the Habs 13-6 in those games.
Prediction: 4-3 Leafs
Nashville Predators @ Columbus Blue Jackets (7:00pm ET): Everyone around the NHL will be keeping and eye on this one. For the Jackets it's simple: win and they have a chance, lose and they're going home. They'll need to rely on other teams for help to get into the playoffs, but that won't stop this team from giving it their all tonight. The Jackets have won 7 of 8 and will be starting MVP candidate Sergei Bobrovsky in goal against a Predators team that sits 29th in goals scored. The Preds will be going with back-up Chris Mason in goal instead of Vezina candidate Pekka Rinne.
Prediction: 3-0 Jackets
Detroit Red Wings @ Dallas Stars (7:00pm ET): This might appear to be an easy one for the Wings, as they've been absolutely dominant in three straight wins. Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk have been red-hot, combining for 12 points in those 3 games. Furthering the confidence in Detroit is the fact that Dallas seems to have given up lately and won't even start Kari Lethonen tonight. The Wings only need one point tonight to clinch a 22nd consecutive playoff berth.
Prediction: 4-1 Wings
Minnesota Wild @ Colorado Avalanche (7:30pm ET): The Wild looked simply awful last night and traveled to Denver for one last chance to clinch a playoff berth. Minnesota will be under intense pressure tonight, while the Avs are home and rested with nothing to lose. This might just be the classic spoiler scenario and the Wild will have to come out strong if they want to take this game. If the Jackets win, one point won't be enough for Minnesota, they need two to qualify.
Prediction: 3-2 Avs (SO)
Vancouver Canucks @ Edmonton Oilers (10:00pm ET): Roberto Luongo gets the start in Edmonton, possibly his last as a Canuck, as the team continues to rest playoff starter Cory Schneider. Vancouver will be resting a few of their veterans tonight, as they prepare for the first round. Edmonton had a huge 6-1 victory over the Wild last night, but at this point have nothing to play for other than pride.
Prediction: 2-0 Canucks
San Jose @ Los Angeles (10:30pm ET): Tonight's final game will have playoff seeding implications for both clubs as they sit 5th and 6th in the West, tied at 57 points, only one point behind St. Louis. There's a few different scenarios that could play out here. If the Blues win they will secure the 4th seed and and face the winner of this game. If the Blues get one point then LA can catch them with a win, but San Jose cannot. However, if the Blues lose in regulation tonight, and San Jose wins in overtime or a shootout, the Blues will drop to 6th. It's all very complicated, but thankfully by the time the Blues game is over, this game will still be going on and we'll know exactly how it will shake out.
Prediction: 4-3 Sharks (SO)
Thanks for reading everybody. It's going to be such a great night of hockey, I can't wait! Until then, a reminder of what it's all about:
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